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The 83-year-old Bob Hawke – who also spent a few years as prime minister – gave a small speech, told a joke and then led everyone in ‘Waltzing Matilda’.

Nobody minded that he told the same joke last year and also reprised the song he wanted to make Australia’s national anthem.

“He has one joke and two songs," said one of Hawke’s friends.

“The other song is Workers United, which would have been less well received by this crowd."

Hawke’s performance at the three- day conference, which finishes on Monday, marginally outshone that of transport mogul
Lindsay Fox
.

The founder of Linfox didn’t sing but was hugging Chinese businessmen and presenting
Westpac
chief executive
Gail Kelly
with roses.

But it was his business card that had everyone talking. It simply says “Lindsay Fox, Truck Driver".

As the billionaire later explained: “Anyone can be a chief executive or chairman."

“But you actually need some real skills to drive a truck."

It was not a point others appeared to dispute.

Earlier in the day, the dozen or so “senior business leaders" who came to Boao on the invitation of Forrest lined up to meet Prime Minister
Julia Gillard
.

Forrest was tasked with organising the receiving line for the Chinese and Australia business leaders to meet ­Gillard and it proved challenging.

After three attempts, they finally lined up as told and the Prime Minister made her entrance.

After what was described as a “frank and honest" dialogue it was nearly 4pm and so most retired upstairs to the bar.

“This is the real bit of the Boao Forum," one seasoned veteran observed.

Qantas
chief executive
Alan Joyce
was spotted sharing a beer with the airline’s China consultant and former Australian ambassador to China
Geoff Raby
, who also works for the likes of Macquarie and is a director of Fortescue.

Mirvac
chairman
James Mckenzie
was also enjoying the bar as was shadow foreign minister
Julie Bishop
.

From the second floor bar, the likes of
National Australia Bank
chairman
Michael Chaney
and
ANZ
chief executive
Mike Smith
went on to Forrest’s first cocktail party of the evening in his hotel suite.